What are the different routes for the Camino de Santiago and how do I get there?

At Adventure Coordinators we often get asked what the different routes of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrim's route through Spain, are. Here are the different Camino routes to Santiago through Spain, Portugal and the south of France, along with a short description, their length, how long it takes to hike each and how to get to the starting points.

Keep in mind that there is an entire network of pilgrim trails across Europe and we only list the main Camino trails to Santiago in Spain, Portugal and the South of France here.

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We offer guided and self-guided tours on many of the Camino routes described above. Contact us by email or phone 647-550-7487

Camino Francés (The French Way to Santiago de Compostella)780 kms / 500 miles
Approx. duration: 35 days
This is the most popular option due to the varied scenery, its history and good infrastructure making for an enjoyable walk. Great for first timers and people looking for a social experience.
Starts in: St. Jean Pied de Port, France
Getting there: fly to Madrid. From Madrid:
- fly, bus or train to Pamplona. From Pamplona bus to Saint-Jean PdP or Roncesvalles.

- fly or bus to Logroño (3) bus or train to Burgos or León or Astorga or Ponferrada.

You can also fly to Barcelona, then to León

Camino del Norte830 kms / 515 miles (to Santiago),
465 kms / 289 miles (to Oviedo)
Approx. duration: 37 days (to Santiago)
A unique journey, the third most popular, crossing some of the most spectacular scenery on Spain’s northern coast, visiting superb cities and offering delicious cuisine and great beaches. Joins up with the Camino Primitivo in Oviedo
Starts in: Irun, Spain
Getting there: fly to Madrid. From Madrid:

- bus to Irún
- fly, bus / train to Bilbao or Santander

Camino Primitivo321 kms / 200 miles
Approx. duration: 14 days
Considered to be the very first of the pilgrimage routes this is one of the most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding trails, away from big cities and paved roads.
Starts in: Oviedo
Getting there: fly to Madrid. From Madrid:

- train or bus to Oviedo

- fly to Asturias Oviedo
- bus or train to Lugo

Via de la Plata1000 kms / 620 miles
Approx. duration: 44 days
Follows old Roman roads and tracks through vineyards, olive groves, meadows and oak and
eucalyptus forests. If you're interested in Roman history, an unparalleled variety of scenery and solitude, this is the route for you.
Starts in: Seville, Spain
Getting there: fly to Madrid. From Madrid:

- fly or train to Seville

- train to Mérida

- train to Cáceres

- train or bus to Salamanca or Zamora

- train to Ourense.

You can also fly from Canada to Barcelona and then to Seville.

Camino Mozárabe406 kms / 252 miles
Approx. duration: 16 days
A route, first way-marked in 1999, which feeds into the Vía de la Plata at Mérida.
Starts in: Granada or Málaga, Spain
Getting there: fly to Madrid. From Madrid:

- fly or train to Málaga

- fly or bus to Granada

- train to Córdoba or Mérida.

You can also fly from Canada to Barcelona and then to Malaga or Granada.

Camino Inglés (The English Way to Santiago de Compostella)75 kms / 47 miles from A Coruña
112 kms / 70 miles from Ferroll
Approx. duration: 3 days (from A Coruña), 5 days (from Ferrol)
English pilgrims arriving by boat started their walk at A Coruña or Ferrol. Offers hilly coastlines, estuaries, wooded mountains, historic towns and villages. The 75km from A Coruña won't earn you a Compostela as it's under 100 kms / 62 miles.
Starts in: A Coruña or Ferrol
Getting there: fly to Madrid / Barcelona. Then fly to A Coruña (from where you can take a bus to Ferrol)

Camino Portugués (The Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostella)600 kms / 370 miles
Approx. duration: 30 days
This, the second most popular route passes through vineyards, villages, towns and historical cities like Porto. The infrastructure is reasonable.
Starts in: Lisbon
Getting there: fly to Lisbon (Air Canada, Transat). From Lisbon:

- train or bus to Coimbra.

You can also fly to Porto and take a train to Coimbra.

Camino Portugués - Coastal265 kms / 165 miles
Approx. duration: 14 days
This Camino should appeal to pilgrims with a pioneering spirit in search of more solitude and
nature enthusiasts alike. Follow boardwalks and coastal footpaths with plenty of opportunities to swim on some of the nicest beaches in Europe.
Starts in: Porto
Getting there: fly to Porto (Air Canada, Transat)

Via Podiensis (Le Puy Route)690 kms / 428 miles
Approx. duration: 37 days
Stunning route boasting spectacular views of volcanic landscapes and fantastic countryside. In terms of scenery, it is known for being one of the most interesting. It joins up with the Camino
Frances in St. Jean Pied de Port.
Starts in: Le Puy en Velay, France
Getting there: fly to Paris, then train Lyon-St Étienne Châteaucreux- Le Puy.

Camino de Finisterre55-85 kms / 34-53 miles
Approx. duration: 4 days
Extend your pilgrimage from Santiago through green, undulating terrain to Spain's most westerly point, Finisterre, which means "End of the World".

Getting home from Santiago de Compostella
If you have strict time limits or a tight budget, book your return trip before you leave home. If
you have or need more flexibility, book your return trip once you are in destination. There are
multiple flights a day from Santiago to Madrid and Barcelona, connecting to your flight home.